NEW YORK — The New York Yankees made their first transaction of 2026 on Sunday. But it was not the blockbuster move fans have been clamoring for all winter.
General manager Brian Cashman did not land Bo Bichette, the star shortstop who appears destined to leave Toronto after the Blue Jays signed Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal on Saturday.
Instead, the Yankees added a familiar face to their spring training mix.
Paul DeJong, a former All-Star infielder who once served as Bichette’s replacement in Toronto, agreed to a minor-league contract with an invite to big-league camp. Jon Heyman of the New York Post first reported the deal.
The connection between DeJong and Bichette runs deeper than most fans realize.
DeJong’s brief stint as Bichette’s fill-in
On Aug. 1, 2023, the Blue Jays acquired DeJong from the Mariners. Toronto needed a shortstop after Bichette landed on the injured list.
The experiment did not go well.
DeJong went 3-for-44 in 13 games with Toronto. That .068 batting average remains one of the ugliest stretches of his career. He managed just one RBI during his time north of the border.
When Bichette came off the injured list on Aug. 19, DeJong was designated for assignment. Two days later, the Blue Jays released him.
Now both players find themselves connected again, this time through the Yankees’ winter plans.
What DeJong brings to the Bronx
The 32-year-old infielder spent last season with the Washington Nationals. He hit .228 with six home runs and 23 RBI over 57 games. He started at all four infield positions and designated hitter, with 32 of his starts coming at third base.
A fractured nose derailed much of his season. DeJong missed 10 weeks after a 93-mph fastball from Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller struck him in the face on April 16. He returned to action in July.
DeJong’s career numbers tell a tale of early promise that faded over time. He slugged 25 homers as a rookie with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting that season.
His best year came in 2019 when he belted 30 home runs and earned an All-Star selection. He represented St. Louis in Cleveland at the Midsummer Classic.
Over nine big-league seasons, DeJong owns a .229 career average with 146 home runs in 925 games. The Yankees mark his seventh organization since 2023.
DeJong would earn $1 million if he makes the team, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Why the Yankees need infield depth
Starting shortstop Anthony Volpe will miss the first month of the season. He underwent left shoulder labrum surgery in October and is not expected back until May.
Utility man Jose Caballero is expected to fill in at shortstop during Volpe’s absence. The Yankees also have Oswaldo Cabrera, who is recovering from a fractured leg that ended his 2025 season in June.
DeJong gives the Yankees another option. His ability to play multiple positions makes him valuable as insurance.
Last week, the Yankees re-signed Amed Rosario to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. He provides similar infield flexibility as a right-handed bat.
Yankees’ quiet offseason raises questions
Counting DeJong, the Yankees have signed seven free agents with major-league experience this winter. They re-signed two players from their 2025 roster to cheap one-year contracts. Five others received minor-league deals.
The club has not added a single player to its 40-man roster who was not already in the organization last year. The lone exception is Rule 5 draft pick and reliever Cade Winquest.
The Yankees remain focused on re-signing free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger. That pursuit has dominated their offseason. But fans are growing restless.
Meanwhile, Bichette remains unsigned as spring training approaches. The Yankees, Cubs and Dodgers have all checked in on the 27-year-old shortstop, according to multiple reports.
Bichette has told teams he is willing to move to second base full-time. That could open the door for the Yankees if they trade Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has drawn interest from other clubs.
For now, the Yankees have DeJong. He will compete for a roster spot in Tampa this spring. Whether he makes the team or not, his presence reminds everyone of the bigger prize still available.
The man DeJong once replaced in Toronto is still out there. And the Yankees know it.
Yankees free agent signings this offseason
Major-League Contracts
| Date | Transaction |
| Nov. 21 | Re-signed left-hander Ryan Yarbrough to a one-year, USD 2.5 million contract |
| Dec. 30 | Re-signed infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario to a one-year, USD 2.5 million contract |
Minor-League Contracts
| Date | Transaction |
| Nov. 23 | Signed right-handed reliever Yerry Rodríguez to a minor-league contract |
| Dec. 12 | Signed infielder Zack Short to a minor-league contract |
| Dec. 13 | Signed catcher Payton Henry to a minor-league contract |
| Dec. 17 | Signed catcher Ali Sánchez to a minor-league contract |
| Jan. 4 | Signed infielder Paul DeJong to a minor-league contract |
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